Algeria’s Constitutional Council met Wednesday to confirm the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Constitutional Council president Tayeb Belaiz opened Wednesday’s meeting of the 12-member body. He said the reason for the meeting was to establish the “vacancy of the post of president of the republic.” Bouteflika, who is 82, appeared Tuesday on national television to give his resignation letter to Belaiz. Bouteflika has not spoken publicly since he suffered a stroke in 2013. On television, he appeared very weak. After Bouteflika’s televised resignation, protesters celebrated with songs and waving flags in the capital city, Algiers. Bouteflika ruled the country for 20 years and was a major member of the Arab World’s political leadership.